Beaches

For the beach lovers, Saltwater Beach and Wallaby Point are only a 20 min drive from Nundoobah. Saltwater Beach and lagoon has a lovely picnic/BBQ area and facilities if you want to make a day of it.

A 30 km drive north-east of Nundoobah will land you in Crowdy Bay National Park, a rugged coastline of cliffs, rockpools, beaches and forests. Crowdy Head is one of the park's great surfing beaches and an excellent place to go for a long, relaxing (or energetic) beach walk. Crowdy Head is a working fishing village and has a great fish co-op for lovers of seafood. Diamond Head, the highest point in the park, is an absolutely stunning spot - a must for the avid snorkeller. There is also a camping ground with BBQ and facilities.

Hallidays Point, known locally as Blackhead Village, is a 30 minute drive from Nundoobah Retreat and has one of the best surfing beaches in the area. There is a small shop opposite the main beach which sells take-away food and also has a liquor license for those wanting to enjoy a glass of wine in the nature reserve adjoining the beach.

Saltwater Beach

On The River

Just south of Crowdy Bay, at the northern mouth of the Manning River, is the village of Harrington. This is the fisherman's dream, offering estuary, beach and breakwall fishing. And it's also an excellent spot for indulging in great seafood. A visit to the riverside Harrington Pub (Ph: 6556 1205) for lunch (and perhaps a casual beverage or two) is definitely a worthwhile expedition. Wolfgang and Cathy welcome you to The Moorings Cafe on the Marina at Harrington Waters Estate for a bite to eat (Ph: 6556 1898).
For a social gathering with freinds or family, you must stop in for dinner at Harrigan's Irish Pub and experience the real Irish atmosphere (Ph: 6556 0555).

Manning Point, on Mitchell's Island just south of the Harrington Inlet, is home to Manning oysters. There is estuary, beach & river fishing and a good surf beach. Hire boats are available; a great way to explore the river. The Blue Water Cafe and Gallery (Ph: 6553 2753) , finalist in the NSW Tourism Awards For Excellence, provides outdoor eating in a tropical garden setting right by the water.

Just a 15 minute drive north of Nundoobah is the historic oyster-farming village of Croki, another great fishing and swimming stop. The long breakwall is good for fishing or a just a stroll.

Harrington Breakwall

Explore The Countryside - Wingham And Beyond

Wingham, just a 10 minute drive north-west of Nundoobah, is a peaceful, charming little river town. Laid out in the traditional english style, Wingham has many fine examples of Federation and Victorian architecture. Wingham Brush represents part of the last 10 hectares of sub-tropical floodplain rainforest in NSW. A raised boardwalk starts at Farquar Street and guides you through this rare nature spot.

On the drive to Wingham, Bowers Cafe (Ph: 6550 1230) (just 5 minutes from Nundoobah) is a great place to stop for morning tea or lunch. This cafe has a magnificent outlook across the countryside. Absolutely delicious home-made treats and devonshire teas.

Another great little place to stop for Morning Tea or Lunch in Wingham is Bent on Food (Ph: 6557 0727).

Ellenborough Falls is about a 40 minute drive from Nundoobah via Wingham. These falls are a spectacular site as they plunge from plateau level into a vertical walled box gorge 160 metres below. BBQ's, picnic tables, drinking water and facilities are provided.

Waitui Falls on the road to Hannam Vale (about 35 kms to the north from Nundoobah) is a Forestry waterfall and swimming hole. There is a picnic area and facilities. On the way, stop at Moorland Cottage (Ph: 6556 5248) on the Hannam Vale Road for a homemade devonshire tea.

Dingo Tops Forest Park, although a little further away (approx 50 kms from Nundoobah via Wingham and Wherrol Flat), has a couple of fantastic walking trails through virgin hardwood and rainforest stands. Many native trees border these trails, including some large red cedars. there is a picnic site.

Newby's Lookout, about 30 kms north of Nundoobah, offers a magnificent view over the Manning Valley. A great place to observe sea eagles, wedge tail eagles and other birdlife.

The Comboyne Plateau, although a bit of a drive from Nundoobah (approx. 1 hour) is a gorgeous piece of countryside; a cultivated english landscape on the top of a mountain. The road to get there is gravel and fairly windy (not for the faint-hearted) but the experience is well worth it. The Udder Cow Cafe (Ph: 6550 4188) in Comboyne provides delicious country food in a delightful setting.

Wingham Brush

Watui Falls

Local Arts and Crafts

Tinonee, just 15 minutes from Nundoobah, is the arts and crafts centre of the Manning Valley. Memories Cafe & Craft (Ph: 6553 1143) is a national trust listed house overlooking the Manning River, selling Manning made crafts and wonderful food.

The Deep Water Shark Gallery (Ph: 6553 1093), between Tinonee & Wingham, is well worth a visit. The gallery is owned and operated by Russell Saunders, an elder of the Biripi people, who is responsible for the magnificent carvings and other examples of Aboriginal art around Nundoobah Retreat. Ask Russell to demonstrate his skill on the didgeridoo or ask to meet his daughter Rachel, whose carvings and artwork are also on display.

Manning Regional Art Gallery (Ph: 6551 0961), located in Taree, welcomes visitors to view and occasionally purchase some of our regions finest art.

Other Ideas

For the keen horse-rider, Clarendon Forest Retreat (Ph: 6554 3162) offers gentle forest trail rides for beginners through to more challenging rides for the experienced. Clarendon is about a 30 minute drive from Nundoobah. The 40,000 acre property takes you through endless rainforest in the heart of the Kiwarrak Forest.

Manning River Aero Club (Ph: 6553 9301) offers a number of different joy flights over the Great Lakes and Manning districts. Click HERE to view information and pricing for the joy flights.

The Terrace Cinema (Ph: 6553 1428) in Tinonee (15 minutes from Nundoobah) is a cute little 20-seat cinema inside an historic timber house. The house is filled with cinematography and other historical memorabilia. Tea and coffee is served in the 15 minute interval, or you may bring your own movie munchies. Alternatively, have a picnic before or after the movie in the little Tinonee park opposite the cinema. The cinema is available for group bookings only.

The National Motor Cycle Museum (Ph: 6554 1333) at Nabiac (20 mins from Nundoobah) is a private museum with a collection of over 400 motorcycles, many of which are extremely rare. Over 40 models are on display, along with old toy motorcyles and motorcycle memorabilia. See the bikes your parents or grandparents used to ride.

Dining Recommendations

'The Bank' Guesthouse in Wingham is home to Tellers Restaurant (Ph: 6553 0006), the perfect spot for that romantic dinner for two. The high ceilings and Queensland maple timber features provide that special dining atmosphere. Tellers provides modern cuisine incorporating fresh produce and organic fruit and vegetables chosen from nearby farms.

The Bunker Bar & Bistro (Ph: 6559 3450) overlooks the private Championship Golf Course "Tallwoods", located in Hallidays Point. About a 25 minute drive from Nundoobah by car, The Bunker has superbly-prepared food and a charming atmosphere.

Fish Fish Fish (Ph: 6552 2116) in the centre of Taree is the place to go for fantastic local seafood. This restaurant also delivers to Nundoobah Retreat guests. The menu is displayed on the 'Food' page of this site.

The Royal Hotel (Ph: 6552 1242) in Taree's main street has a lovely courtyard at the back overlooking the river. As well as being a gorgeous spot to sip a cocktail or a relaxing glass of wine. A real favourite with the locals.

For the lovers of Italian food, Il Colosseo (Ph: 6552 6289) is Taree's authentic Italian restaurant. Just down the road from 'Fayes Twin Cinema', Il Colosseo if the perfect choice for dinner before or after a movie. Relatively inexpensive food in a lovely atmosphere. BYO.

The Mermaid Teahouse (Ph: 6550 1000) is just a 5 minute drive from Nundoobah, on Wingham Road. The teahouse is set in an original old home and also features a little arts/crafts room. Great spot for morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea.

For Bowers Cafe, the Bent on Food , and the Udder Cow Cafe see above under the heading 'Explore the Countryside'.

The Bank Guesthouse
(Tellers Restaurant)

Bowers Cafe